A Long-Standing ArizonaRepublican Precedent/Tradition of not allowing proxies at the “special” legislative district and county meetings leading up to the state convention election of delegates to the national convention was turned up-side down by an interpretation Fri (Feb 12) afternoon from the Republican National CommitteeAssociation Counsel Christina Schaengold.

In a Thursday (Feb 11) e-mail to Schaengold, former MCRC Chairman A J LaFaro asked for clarification on the issue that had been a source of conflict amongst Republican leadership as they prepare to select delegates for the 2016 state/national conventions. He wrote: We are preparing for our Legislative District and County Meetings to elect delegates and alternates to our State Convention. There appears to be some confusion as whether proxies can be used at these special Legislative District and County Meetings. It's my understanding proxies have never been used at these types of meetings in the history of our state party, and RNC Rule 16 (e)(6) seems to be very clear on this issue. https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-static-ngop pbl/docs/Rules_of_the_Republican+Party_FINAL_S14090314.pdf So my question is: Are proxies allowed at the district/county/state meetings to elect state and national delegates and alternates?”

Friday (Feb 12) Schaengold replied: “The RNC Counsel’s Office interprets Rule 16(e)(6)’s ban on proxies to apply to state and congressional district conventions, not legislative district and county meetings.”

Over the past decade or longer, former GOP leaders, including former AZGOP Chairmen Randy Pullen and Tom Morrissey, former Maricopa County Republican Committee Chairmen Rob Haney and Tom Husband, and National Republican Committeeman Bruce Ash and National Republican Committeewoman Sharon Geise, operated under the premise that the RNC Rule 16 applied to the local meetings as well as state/congressional conventions. If an elected delegate couldn’t not attend the convention related meeting, the LD chairman was notified, then the LD chair appointed the highest tallied alternate to attend in the delegates absence. Proxies were not allowed.

In notifying the Maricopa County Republican Committee’s Executive Guidance Committee (MCRC EGC) of Schaengold’s interpretation,LaFaro’s memo sayshe is “surprised no one had ever gotten an official clarification before. Up until now, proxies were not allowed at the district and county meetings. Just ask any of these people - Tom Morrissey, Joe Abate, Randy Pullen, Thayer Verschoor, Rob Haney, Tom Husband, George Teegarden, Mike Hellon or Phil Mason - to name a few - if proxies were allowed in the past at the district or county meetings to elect state convention delegates. Based on historic precedent and experience, I honestly believed that proxies were not allowed at these very special and important quadrennial district and county meetings. I still don't believe proxies should be allowed. However, I wasn't attempting to disenfranchise anyone's ability to vote and for Robert Graham to allege that is just one more example of his vicious and continued attacks on grassroots conservative activists here in Arizona.”

LaFaro notes, “Some precinct committeemen and factions within our party will be able to continue to abuse our fundamental right of ‘one person one vote’ by collecting as many proxies as they can muster in order to adversely affect the outcome of these very important state delegate elections” resulting from the RNC counsel’s interpretation.

Friday afternoon AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham distributed a 928 word message of “outrage” charging LaFaro with “trying to prevent thousands of Republican Precinct Committeemen from voting in upcoming party election.” Graham said, “With significant meetings in the coming months being called throughout Arizona to elect delegates to the Republican State Convention, the right to vote by proxy is especially important.” See Graham’s full message at azgop-chairman-defends-rights-of-precinct-committeemen-to-vote-in-election-of-convention-delegates

Graham, who faced being censured by state committeemen during the Jan 23 AZGOP “Mandatory” state meeting, is considered by many grassroots Republicans to be a puppet of the GOP Establishment and Sen John McCain. State Committeemen had gathered enough petitions signatures the morning of the Jan 23 Mandatory meeting to bring the “Censure Graham” and “Anyone But McCain” resolutions to the floor for a vote, however, Al Gage – who was introduced as a RNC partlimentarian - ruled against allowing the state committeemen to vote on either resolution. McCain was censured by state committeemen and Maricopa County Republican PCS in January 2014.

There is concern among some of the grassroots leadership, as well as PCs/state committeemen, that Graham supports allowing proxies at the “special” legislative/county meetings in an effort to control the state delegates election. Those delegate selected at the upcoming April 30 state convention will select the GOP candidate at the national convention in July. Earlier this week, grassroots PCs who wanted to fill out delegations applications couldn’t access the AZGOP delegation application on the AZGOP web site because it required a password - which PCs and laymen intereseted in attending the national convention - didn’t have. That was corrected a couple of days ago – after complains went public.

The Republican Party State Convention will be held April 30, 2016 at the Mesa Convention Center where the state delegates elected by the PCs will gather to elect 55 delegates to be sent to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July, where the Republican Nominee for President is selected.

Please take action Today because if the bills are not heard on MONDAY, they will DIE. Please tell Representative Boyer: Arizona is the National Leader In Parental Choice. Parents’ Rights Over Their Children’s Education And Personal Information Do Not Stop At The Schoolhouse Door. Let House Bills 2056, 2088, and 2056 be heard. Please contact him Immediately by phone, email, and social media:(602) 926-4173 pboyer@azleg.govfacebook.com/BoyerAZ/https://twitter.com/pauldboyer Thank you!

Gina Raywww.OptOutAZ.org : Rep. Paul Boyer (the chair of the House Education Committee)is holding back two very important bills from being heard: HB2056 (Parental rights to opt out of high stakes testing) and HB2088 (Student Data Protection). Boyer is even a co-sponsor of HB2056. So, why is he holding these back? The Arizona Charter School Association recently told him to oppose these bills and Boyer is a teacher at Great Hearts Academy (a charter school). There is an obvious conflict of interest involved here. Boyer needs to let these bills be heard or release them to a different committee. If they are not heard by the end of next week (by Feb.19th) they will die. Please contact Boyer immediately and ask him to let these bills be heard or release them to another committee: Contact Boyer: 602- 926-4173 or email him at: Legislature=%2052&Session_ID

The West Valley GOP Office is hosting a debate party at the office (99thAve/Bell Road) where you can watch large screen TV and purchase BBQ items at 7 pm., Sat., Feb 13, to see the CBS News Republican Debate at The Peace Center in Greenville, SC. Sponsor: CBS News. Moderator: John Dickerson Contact: Manager Peter Leemdcyclist@live.com

Korwin: No-Fly-List-No-Buy-List-Gun-Confiscation-ListAre people on the no-fly list so dangerous they can walk past airport checkpoints with guns, knives and bombs because the scanners don't work on them? That's why we need the list? Are the checkpoints just there to keep us in line? But wait -- those people can still take Amtrak to Cincinnati, or drive, bus or walk, they're free to roam anywhere because they're not charged with anything. Or convicted of anything. They just can't fly. You get on the list in secret, without rules. And now Obama wants to ban you from gun ownership based on this list. If you object, he says "that's insane" (his words). Daily Caller blows the lid off this confiscation plan we all knew was coming, that has democrats cheering with him on TV.

AzCDL Update: HB 2018, HB 2224 and SB 1266 passed out of their Committee of the Whole (COW) debates on Thurs, Feb 11. They will soon be scheduled for Third Read votes, the final step before being sent to the other legislative chamber (House or Senate). We need to keep the pressure on our Representatives and Senators. It’s time for another round of emails. The letters at AzCDL’s Legislative Action Center have been updated to urge them to vote for the passage of these bills during Third Read and are ready for you to send. If you have not contacted your legislators, now is the time to take action. HB 2081 would prohibit checking with any federal or state database on private property transfers. That means someone privately transferring a firearm cannot be forced to undergo a NICS background check. email to your Reps on HB 2081. HB 2224 would prohibit the state or any political subdivision from charging or levying a fee, tax, assessment, lien or other encumbrance on the transfer of a firearm between private parties who are not prohibited possessors. email to your Reps on HB 2224.Together, the passage of HB 2018 and HB 2224 mean attempts at creating “universal background checks” on private party firearms transfers would not be permitted. SB 1266 would allow for injunctions, fines and civil suits when state agencies or local governments disregard state firearm preemption statutes. Time to punish local demagogues who disregard your rights. email your Senator on SB 1266.

Monday Senate COW Hearing: In the Senate, SB 1257 has been scheduled for a COW debate on Mon, Feb 15. SB 1257 is the AzCDL-requested bill that would exempt CCW permit holders from being disarmed when entering state and local government controlled property unless everyone entering is screened for weapons. No more hiding behind cheap cardboard “no guns” signs. If you have not already done so, email your Senator on SB 1257.

Letters for all these bills have been prepared and are waiting for you send at our Hot Issues page. All it takes is a few mouse clicks to make a big difference! The status and summary of bills that AzCDL is monitoring can be found on our Bill Tracking page.

The Chino Valley Pachyderm meeting is scheduled at 5 pm., Thurs., Feb 18 in Randall’s Restaurant at the Prescott Golf & Country Club in Dewey. Tom Jenney of Americans for Prosperity will show the movie “Sal Alinsky Story and Tactics” Chr: Sue Goodchild. RSVP TO suepachy@gmail.com or 928-636-7355

LD22 precinct committeemen will meet at 6:30 pm., Mon., Feb 15 at the Westbrook Village Recreation Center at 19281 N Westbook Parkway, Peoria, AZ The doors open at 5:30pm. Volunteers are asked to bring food for the pot luck dinner. Dinner donations $5 per person. Proceeds offset the room rental. Last chance to purchase tickets for the raffle of a (first place) Your choice of a DPMS Oracle .556 AR type rifle or 480 rounds of Federal .556 NATO ammunition in two metal cans. (second place). a Vizio 48" HD SMART Television

The February Pinal County Republican Committee has been cancelled. The next meeting will be March 19 at the Administration Building of the Florence Unified School District in Florence at 10 am. with a forum for the Arizona Corporation Commission candidates - Al Melvin, Frank Riggs, Bob Burns and Rick Gray and Pinal County Superintendent of Public Instruction candidates Jill Broussard and Patrick Thompson. All candidates have confirmed. Contact: Karen Wallrodrigs@1791.com

The Pinal County Republican Club will resume meeting on March 19 in the Administration building.

The Pinal County Republican Committee Annual Lincoln Luncheon is scheduled at 10:30 am., Sat., Feb 27 at The Property in Casa Grande so hear speakers Congressman David Schweikert and AZGOP Chairman Robert Graham. Tickets available at http://www.pinalcountygop.com. Contact : Chairman Vincent Manfredi 602-373-9996

ATTN Club Chairmen/Secretaries: Please include the time and location of your event, as well as a contact name, phone or e-mail when submitting event announcements. Thanks for your cooperation. – Editor Frosty Taylor.

Free tables are available to political candidates, clubs, LDs1-30, PACs, and veterans groups between 10 am-3 pm, during the Sat., Feb 20 Candidate Corral 2016 scheduled at the Pioneer Living History Village. Bring a table, 2 chairs and a pop-up tent for your group. Put out your literature, business cards, do a raffle to raise money for your group. To reserve a space go to http://citizenbusinessleague or contact event manager Nina Marlow at (480) 707-9043 (602) 541-1436 cell nmarlowCBL@gmail.com

Steve Kates aka Dr. Sky will be broadcasting his “A Call To Rights” live between noon and 2 pm. on KRNX 1100 from the Feb 20 “Candidate Corral 2016 at Pioneer Historical Village (I-17 just North of Carefree Highway).

US Rep. Matt Salmon, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, applauded final passage of H.R. 757, the North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act.“North Korea’s aggressive tactics cannot go unanswered. The regime’s long-range missile test last week following their fourth nuclear detonation on January 6th, proves they will continue to provoke our allies in the region and thumb their nose at the international community. It is past time for additional sanctions to be levied against this rogue regime and those that do businesses with them. I am a proud cosponsor of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act and I welcome its near unanimous passage in the House today. This bill will strengthen sanctions on North Korea, Kim Jung-un’s operations of oppression, and their cyber and nuclear activities. I look forward to the President signing this bill into law as soon as possible.”

Dave Kopp, President of the Arizona Citizens Defense League, (AzCDL) will speak at the 9:15 am, Feb 13 Northwest Chapter Meeting of AzRA at the Northwest Maricopa County Service Facility, 12975 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ. Doors open at 8:45 am. Kopp will present a training session on the use of ALIS (Arizona Legislature Information System), with emphasis on the “Request to Speak” app that allows citizens to follow and respond to current legislation from their homes or cell phones. Contact: Chairman Lyle TuttleL.tuttle@cox.net 623-451-6928 .

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Feb 13

The City of Buckeye is sponsoring an 8 am, Feb 13 "Veterans Lift Up" at Odyssey High School (near Verado) Odyssey High School, 1495 S. Airport Rd. Buckeye, AZ - that opens with a free pancake breakfast for veterans. Veterans Lift Up highlights resources, programs, and opportunities for veterans. Contact: Myra Curtis: 623-349-6945.

The Pinal County Republican Committee’s Lincoln Day Luncheon is scheduled Sat., Feb 13 at The Property in Casa Grande.

Feb 15

The Coconino County Republicans Annual Fundraiser/Lincoln Day Dinner is scheduled at 6:15 pm., Mon., Feb 15 at theDoubletree by Hilton Hotel, 1175 W. Route 66, Flagstaff featuring a CD1 candidate forum with candidates Gary Kiehne, Ken Bennett, Paul Babeu, David Gowan, and Paul Shawn. The forum will be moderated by Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours and City Councilman Jeff Oravits. Doors open at 5 pm, program starts at 6:15, and dinner will be served at 6:30Dinner: $50 per person, $360 for a table of eight. Attire: Business casual. Dinner Reservations: Checks may be mailed to Dan Edel, 3120 W. Tami Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 – must be postmarked NLT February 8. Payment by: cash, checks payable to CCRC, or on line via Pay Pal at http://www.FlagstaffVotes.com. There will be drawings for Gift Certificates, jewelry, wine baskets and more. Winners will be drawn at the close of the program. Tickets are still available for the Colorado River Rafting trip/Janome sewing machine raffle. $10 each/maximum of 250 to be sold.

LD22will meet Feb 15 to discuss upcoming delegate elections, the April 30 state convention and the national convention. Contact: Chr Eric Morgan

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman will address the Sun City Republican Club at 7 pm, Mon. Feb 15 in the East Hall of the Sundial Recreation Center. Social at 6:30 pm. Contact: Peter Lee mdcyclist@live.com

The American Heritage DVD series by historian David Barton of Wallbuilders will be presented between 1-3 pm., Feb. 15, 22, 29 at the AZ GOP Headquarters West Valley office, 10050 W. Bell Rd. Suite 50. Free to public. Call 623-815-8557 or 623-977-4532 . Facilitated by living history presenter Bonnie Angster. Series will focus on the Constitution, the Judiciary, Education and Black History.

A Fundraiser For Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will be hosted by Mike and ChristineSchroeder, Terrie Frankel and Fred Shinn from 6-8 pm.,Tues., Feb 16 at the home of Mike and Christine Schroeder,100 N Primrose Point, Sedona AZ, 86336 in Back O’Beyond Ranch. A one-on-one is scheduled from 6-7:30 pm, with a formal presentation by Arpaio at 7:30 pm. Minimum donation, $75 person, $125 couple, will be taken at the door prior to admission. No credit cards. Refreshments to be served. RSVP to Mike at: JMS2@ix.netcom.com (Parking and Entrance Info by Return Mail). Information www.mcso.org/About/Sheriff.aspx

The Surprise Tea Party Patriots and the North West Valley Tea Party will gather between 6:30-8:30 pm., Tues., Feb 16 in the Quail Room at the Sun City West Foundation Plaza, 14465 W. R H Johnson Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375 to hear Kris Anne Hall address Article V Convention of States/Nullification. Public Welcome. Hall is an attorney and former prosecutor who teaches the Constitution and our founding documents. Chairman John Madeira 480-359-1784 or jmadeira@surpriseteapartypatriots.com

Feb 17

The Grassroots Tea Party Activists will meet Wed., Feb 17 at a yet to be determined location to hear Constitutional attorney, author and radio host KrisAnne Hall address “The Disarming of America.” Hall is a former prosecutor, disabled US Army veteran, a Russian linguist, who travels the Country teaching the Constitution and history of our founding documents laying the foundation that shows how reliable and relevant our founding documents are today. $2.50 donations appreciated to cover Hall’s travel, room costs and promotion. Contact: http://krisannehall.com See video on Hall at www.grassrootsteapartyactivists.com KrisAnne Hall: www.krisannehall.com Tea Party contact: Francine L Romesburggrtp@grassrootsteapartyactivists.com

Constitutional Attorney And Radio Talk Show Host Krisanne Hall will address Grassroots Tea Party Activists at 7 pm, Wed., Feb 17 at the Light and Life Church, 15220 N 39th Ave., Phx.

The Palo Verde Republican Women will meet for lunch at 11:30 am., Feb 17 at the Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 East Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale. US Senate candidate Alex Meluskey and Arizona State Board of Education member Chuck Schmidt will address the group. Schmidt will discuss Prop 123 to be voted on May 17 in Arizona. Social at 11 am. $26 per person Reservations required. Contact Sherry pvrw111@yahoo.com .

A Fundraiser For US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward is scheduled between 5:30-7:30 pm., Wed., Feb 10 at the home of Charles and Jennifer Hill, 413 W Bentrup St., Chandler, AZ 85225. RSVP to Jennifer at Jleonhill1970@yahoo.com or fundraiser-tickets

Business United for Scottsdale Schools (BUSS) is sponsoring a “Business & Education Partnership Breakfast” between 8-9:30 am, Wed, Feb 17 at SkySong.

Feb 18

LD24 will meet at 6:30 pm, Thurs., Feb 18 at AZGOP Headquarters, 3501 N 24th St., Phoenix with Arizona Republican National Committeeman Bruce Ash and Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates. Ash has been Arizona’s RNC Committeeman since 2007. Bates was appointed to represent District 3 in 2009, was elected in 2011 and was the Vice Mayor of Phoenix in 2013.

The Republican Party of Mesa will meet at 7 pm., Thurs., Feb 18 to hear Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas and Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in the Ronald K Luster Building (the old Mesa Utility Building) 640 N. Mesa Dr. Mesa AZ. Contact: Chr Ian MurrayIan@DesignedForLife.com (602)524-7786.

The Ahwatukee Tea Party will meet will meet at 6:30 pm., Thurs., Feb 18 at Fire Station #43, 4110 Chandler Blvd., Phx, 85048 to hear Dr. Thomas Patterson, Chairman of Compact for America. Patterson, a retired physician, is a former state senator and former chairman of the Goldwater Institute. Contact: www.tukeeteaparty.com

The Northwest Conservatives is hosting a “Meet the Candidates at 6:30 pm., Thurs., Feb 18 for District 1 Pima County Board of Supervisors incumbent Ally Miller and LD9 House candidate Ana Henderson \at the Nanin Library